Agave celsii Hook.
Celsi's Agave
Agave celsii, also known as Agave mitis, is one of the most popular agaves in ornamental horticulture thanks to its relatively compact form and soft leaves without marginal teeth. Native to the humid sierras of Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potosí in Mexico, it grows on rocky slopes and mid-elevation scrub. Its leaves bear distinctive continuous whitish margins and a moderate terminal spine. It is monocarpic, though it produces offsets that allow the colony to persist. It tolerates more moisture and partial shade than most agaves.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent, compact to medium rosette (50–90 cm diameter); monocarpic; regularly produces basal offsets; slow to moderate growth rate. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — widely cultivated worldwide; wild populations restricted to its native range in Mexico. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-loam to stony; moderately well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear-lanceolate, 30–60 cm long and 4–7 cm wide; medium green to grey-green; margins continuous without teeth (diagnostic character), with whitish or pale corneous band; terminal spine 1.5–2.5 cm, dark.
ecoYellow to yellow-green, 5–6 cm long, on a 3–5 m spike with short lateral branches; blooms in summer.
ecoPractically non-existent in vegetative plant; the floral scape is slender relative to other agaves, erect and branched in its upper third.
ecoDense fibrous root system adapted to stony soils with moderate moisture retention; tolerates slightly more moisture than desert species.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-loam to stony; moderately well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
O
Repot every 2–3 years in spring; prefers terracotta pots that promote evaporation.
Fertilize once in spring with balanced fertilizer diluted to half the recommended dose (NPK 10-10-10). Avoid fertilizing in autumn-winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Sap is mildly irritating. Terminal spine can cause puncture wounds. Not considered toxic to humans or pets, but caution is recommended.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Fusarium spp.) — more frequent than in other agaves due to its higher moisture tolerance, which can lead to overwatering.
Mealybugs (Planococcus spp.) — colonize leaf axils; treat with potassium soap or systemic imidacloprid.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — larvae bore into the heart causing sudden collapse; preventive control with imidacloprid.
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"A. celsii and A. mitis are frequently treated as the same species in horticulture. The absence of marginal teeth is the most striking character and the main reason for its popularity — it can be handled without the risk posed by toothed agaves. Variegated forms (var. albicans) are highly sought after by collectors."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.